Gerald Levert, 40, Rhythm and Blues Singer, Dies

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Gerald Levert, a fiery singer of passionate rhythm and blues love songs and the son of the O’Jays singer Eddie Levert, died on Friday at his home in Cleveland. He was 40.

His label, Atlantic Records, confirmed the death, but no further details were released.

Mr. Levert first gained fame in 1986 as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, which also included his brother, Sean, and a childhood friend, Marc Gordon. They made hits like “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind,” “Casanova,” and “Baby I’m Ready.”

In 1991 he made his solo debut with the album “Private Line,” which included a hit duet with his father, “Baby Hold On to Me.” Mr. Levert was known for his sensual, romantic songs, but his music was explosive and raw: his 2002 album was titled “The G Spot.”

In 1997 he joined with Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat to form an R&B supergroup, LSG. Their self-titled album sold more than two million copies. His most recent album was last year’s “Voices.”

Mr. Levert’s survivors include four children.

GERALD LEVERT: Dead At 40

Music News- R&B Crooner Gerald Levert Dies at 40 - AOL News

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Here's an update in the news today.

Performers star in musical salute to late singer

A tribute to Gerald Levert


Performers star in musical salute to late singer


BY HERB BOYD
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Thursday, August 9th 2007, 4:00 AM

Nearly 7,000 people - everyday people and celebrities - lined up to attend singer Gerald Levert's funeral last November in Cleveland. Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle and others paid tribute to the popular rhythm and blues artist, who died last November at 40.

And because many of his fans are still stunned by the unexpected loss of the singer and composer, there will be a special tribute to Levert on Harlem Day, Aug. 19. The musical theme of Harlem Day will be Gerald Levert's hit song "Casanova."

The Gerald Levert Tribute will take place on the Harlem Day stage on W. 135th St., between Frederick Douglass Blvd. and St. Nicholas Ave., from noon to 7 p.m.

The singer left an impressive legacy, and some of it is sure to be evoked on Harlem Day when a roster of talented performers recount Levert's songbook and present their own songs in his memory.

The adage "The fruit doesn't fall that far from the tree" definitely applies to Gerald Levert.

His father is O'Jays member Eddie Levert - sizable footsteps for a singer to follow. But the younger Levert was beginning to match his father's remarkable career stride for stride.

Gerald's ascension in the music industry began not long after he formed LeVert, a multi-platinum trio that included his brother, Sean, and Marc Gordon. "Bloodline," the trio's 1986 album, resonated with all the verve and funk of the O'Jays. And the powerful resemblance between Eddie's and Gerald's raw, soulful deliveries can be heard throughout the album.

In 1995, with the album "Groove On," Gerald was well on his own in unique vocal expression - equipped with a full arsenal of shouts, screams and cries in his passionate ballads and driving, up-tempo dance numbers.

Soon after, he teamed with his dad on "Father & Son," and the Levert legacy had come full circle. One of the most unforgettable tunes from their initial collaboration was "I Got Your Back," which would later be the title of the book they completed a day before Gerald died.

"When I wrote 'I Got Your Back,' I did it because I wanted people to think about their dad, or their son, or an uncle, or your boy who is always down for you," Gerald wrote in the book, which was co-authored with Lyah Beth LeFlore.

The vitality, spirit, and musical genius of Gerald Levert will be "down for you" and yours during Harlem Day.

Harlem Day, the biggest day on the Harlem Week events calendar, is being co-sponsored by the Daily News, Kiss FM (98.7), Hot 97 (97.1-FM) and CD 101.9 FM.